What is Abilene, and how is it related to Internet2?
Architecturally, Internet2 comprises a number of network nodes, all connected by high-speed fiber optic media (OC-3 and OC-12, for example). The backbone consists of GigaPoPS (gigabit points-of-presence), each acting as an “on ramp” to the backbone. The backbone operates at a base speed of 10Gbps. As of today, 205 universities are currently connected to these nodes either directly or indirectly through fiber optic connections from their physical locations. Collectively, the GigaPoP Internet2 nodes form the Abilene network. The maps below show the GigaPoP locations (left) and a live traffic map for Abilene, hosted by Indiana University (right). This dynamically generated image shows network usage data for the current point in time. Other Abilene maps are also available on the Abilene Web site.
